Southampton: 161-game star could now 'move on' from St Mary's | OneFootball

Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster is set to leave the St Mary’s outfit this summer, according to The Sun journalist Tom Barclay.

The experienced goalkeeper has been the Saints’ number one since coming into the side on Boxing Day, but the 34-year-old is out of contract next month and could therefore end his eight-year spell with the club.

What’s the latest news involving Forster?

Despite enjoying a long run in the side from Christmas onwards in place of the injured Alex McCarthy, the England international might have played his last game for the South Coast outfit.

Forster missed the midweek defeat to Liverpool through injury, which allowed McCarthy to make his return to the side following five months on the sidelines.

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As a result, with just one game remaining, and McCarthy in line to start at Leicester on Sunday, Forster’s career on the South Coast might well be over.

Forster has enjoyed an up and down time with Southampton, but he has made 161 appearances in total and has shown signs of his old self during his recent run in the team.

But with Southampton committed to keeping McCarthy, Barclay reckons that Forster’s time with the Saints is drawing to a close.

What did Barclay say about Forster?

He told GIVEMESPORT: “I don’t think in an ideal world they want two older goalkeepers, so if you had to put money on it, you would have to think that he would move on, but that’s still yet to be confirmed.”

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Has Forster done enough to earn a new contract?

Despite Southampton’s collapse since they were chasing European football in February, Forster has done himself justice during that period.

In the last three months, the Saints have tasted victory just once, but had it not been for Forster’s heroic display against Arsenal then Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side would be heading into their final-day trip to Leicester on an 11-match winless run.

During the 1-0 victory, the Three Lions shotstopper made a host of miraculous saves, including an outrageous first half stop to deny Bukayo Saka.

As a result, Forster has been Southampton’s eighth-best player this season, according to WhoScored, although that rating could have been higher had it not been for some questionable defending in front of him.

Overall, Forster’s form has probably warranted a contract extension, but it’s clear that the Saints have more faith in McCarthy moving forward.